News / Russia

Massive fire at Crimea military site forces evacuation of over 2,000 people

Wednesday, 19 July 2023 11:02 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 19 July 2023 11:18 AM ]

This picture shows smoke and flames rising from a fire at a Russian military site in the Kirovske district, Crimea, July 19, 2023. (Photo by Reuters)

Russian officials have reported a fire at a military site in the Kirovske district in Crimea that has forced over 2000 people to evacuate the area, leading to the closure of a nearby highway.

Crimea Governor, Sergey Aksyonov, said on Telegram on Wednesday that “a fire occurred at a military training ground”. However, the original cause of the fire is yet unknown.

Ukraine claimed on Wednesday that Kiev forces launched a successful operation there.

"A successful operation was conducted on occupied Crimea. The enemy conceals the extent of the damage and the number of losses in manpower," Kylylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, said in a statement.

Media reports suggested the site was a Russian ammunition depot that was targeted by a Western-supplied Storm Shadow missile fired at the base that caused the fire and repeated explosions.

Russia blames 'terrorist' Ukraine, US, UK for Crimean bridge attack

Moscow blames Ukraine for an attack that hit the bridge connecting Russia and Crimea, saying the assault took place under the auspices of the US and Britain.

Ukraine launched a massive multiple-front counter-offensive against Russian forces last month. However, the operation has not been successful.

"All enemy attempts to break through our defenses...they have not succeeded since the offensive began. The enemy is not successful," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised interview broadcast on Sunday.

Putin's remarks came after Kiev itself acknowledged on Friday that its forces were not advancing as fast as it was desired against Russian forces.

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